Reasoning & Evidence
Mixed-use development is a way to develop communities that integrate residential, commercial, and sometimes industrial spaces within a single area to create a community where people can live, work, and recreate all in one place.(103) Research has demonstrated that the more varied the uses of land, the more social capital increases. Diverse land use boosts social cohesion by making areas more varied and walkable, which encourages meaningful connections while higher physical and social density can decrease cohesion due to more anonymity and less meaningful interactions.(104) Studies show that neighborhoods with a mix of walking-friendly areas, unlike areas that are auto-dependent, help people interact more and build stronger community trust by encouraging the use of shared spaces.(105–106) It is important to note that this may not always be possible in certain geographical areas. In rural areas, lower population density and greater distances between destinations may encourage more of a reliance on automobiles. Adaptations to mixed-use development could include focusing development on the creation of village centers that incorporate residential, commercial, and community facilities in a compact area and improve walkability.(107) It is also important to consider affordability and accessibility, which may come as a trade-off with mixed-use development. Some studies have found job accessibility and housing costs to be positively impacted by mixed-use development, while rental costs were found to be negatively impacted, resulting in reduced accessibility to affordable housing.(108) However, another study highlighted that with effective policy measures, mixed-land use can be effective and still maintain access to affordable housing.(109)
Examples of Community Implementation
Jersey City, New Jersey: The Jersey City Planning Board voted to begin the Bayfront Redevelopment Project – a mixed-use development project bringing 210 residential units, including 35% designated as affordable housing, and almost 10,000 square feet of community space including a community lounge and kitchen, co-working spaces, recreational green spaces and more.
Wheeling, Virginia: Officials took an innovative approach to transforming historic buildings into mixed-use spaces to increase the density of small businesses and housing to foster a more vibrant community life while tackling broader issues like enhancing broadband, improving food access, and being more social cohesion.
Reference: The SOCIAL Framework Report: The Built Environment Sector